Kim Vogel Sawyer is a story-teller. I enjoy her characters, her plots, and her settings. But most of all I enjoy the deeper meanings she weaves in, how the characters depend on God to get them through the events that unfold.

Set during WWII, a time in history that I find captivating, the deep stirrings of war and danger make for a serious set of circumstances that only God can work out. I loved Micah's involvement with Jeremiah's mission, as the Jewish people hold a special place in my heart. Lydia was an engaging character, and I enjoyed her unwillingness to back down or give up. Nicky, of course, was a joy to read about. And Justina is just too adorable for words.

I did pick up on a few pet phrases or words, and the trying-not-to-fall-in-love thing did get pretty old pretty quickly (mainly because within the first few chapters I figured out who would end up with who). But both could be overlooked when in the middle of the dark alleys of New York or the gripping coming-clean scenes.

All in all, I really did enjoy this novel. By the time I finished, I felt like I had read a 400+ page story because the author packed in so much. I wish there was a sequel.

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+My copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Kim has stepped out of the box a little in this exciting book. I have been blessed to be able to own and read every one of Kim's books, until this one, I did get to read it from our library though. I have had quite a few favorites of Kim's but this is now my new favorite.

The story takes place during WWII during the height of gas rationing, women working in jobs that were for men before, and Germans annihilating many people.

Some Americans risked their lives over seas to help as many people to survive as they could. In this story it tells of children being shipped on a Red Cross boat to keep them safe from harm, and then Micah Hatcher did what he could to keep them even safer. Micah is a Doctor but works in a small clinic in a really poor part of New York City because he cares for everyone.

Lydia Eldredge lives in Boston and is doing her part for one little adorable boy. Both Micah and Lydia's lives become even more intertwined as the story goes on. There is lots of mystery and suspense in this story that is new for Kim's writing.

I loved the way Micah's faith was so totally strong and how he used that in every thing he did, and passed it on to the others in the story. Lydia's faith was shaken many times during the book, will she grow in that faith?

I hope you have as much fun reading this book as I did. Looking forward to the next book of Kim's.

"Sweet Sanctuary" by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a Christian romance taking place in Boston and New York during WWII. Lydia has been raising Nicky, the child of her deceased best friend, for the first years of his life. Nic, Nicky's father, a morphine addict, has been looking for Nicky so that he can sell him. Micah, is brought in by Lydia's overbearing father to try and save them all.

This story is highly improbable, kinda predictable, and slightly romantic. It's unlikely that an addict is going to search and search for three years for a kid so that sell it. Addicts just don't tend to be that dedicated to anything outside of their addiction. Also, if Micah's side job is hiding children, why is it never considered that he hide this one. The romance seems a little forced as well. It is well written and edited, however, the storyline is obvious. It was ok, it passed the time. There isn't a reason not to read it, it's not bad. It's just not great. I'd give it a C. I received this book for free from Bethany House.

This is a story that will touch your heart. I really enjoyed it. I was hooked as soon as I started reading and couldn't put it down! The characters were very real-to-life and it was easy to identify with Lydia and Micah throughout the book and through their various circumstances and callings. The plot really captured my interest and I really liked how it turned out in the end. I would have to say that this was a very worthwhile read and one that I would certainly recommend. I would rate it 4 to 4.5 stars.

I'd like to thank Bethany House Publishers for sending me a copy of Sweet Sanctuary in exchange for my honest review.

A intriguing historical fiction novel that reads like an epic movie. A bit of mystery and quality romance will keep the reader in the story.

The setting is World War II a time when orphans are being displaced from Europe. Women were entering the workforce. In the midst of this setting, Lydia Eldredge becomes Mom for her friend's little boy. Like any good novel, there are twists and turns, but my favorite is how this story ends. Relationships are restored and shattered lives are mended. The old dies and the new life is born.

I recommend this book for your next leisure reading. It will leave your heart hopeful.